Liverpool's Striker Plans: Diogo Jota Still has a Place in Arne Slot's Squad

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but until a strong offer comes in, I'm not too convinced.

Why Liverpool Should Keep Diogo Jota This Summer

Liverpool head into the 2025 summer transfer window in a position of strength and transition. With Arne Slot fresh off a title-winning debut season and the club already active in the transfer market, there is renewed excitement among the fanbase. Yet, alongside the impressive additions of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, there remains an undercurrent of uncertainty regarding several key squad members. One name that continues to spark debate is Diogo Jota.

Let’s be clear. The temptation to sell Jota is understandable. Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Wolves have all registered their interest but with no team seemingly pushing hard for his signature, he could stay. He has struggled with injuries, his output has dipped, and with other forwards like Darwin Nunez reportedly on their way out, a complete overhaul of Liverpool’s attacking line might seem attractive. But in this case, common sense and strategy must trump emotion. Liverpool might just keep Diogo Jota next season, not just for what he’s done in the past but for the practicality of what comes next.

Striker Market Realities: Scarcity, Cost and Competition

Arne Slot has already made headlines with big-money signings, but the striker market this summer is an entirely different battlefield. The departure of Darwin Nunez, all but confirmed by respected sources, leaves a gaping hole in the centre-forward position. Attempting to replace Nunez alone is a tall order. Trying to replace Jota at the same time is a recipe for chaos.

Elite strikers are in short supply. Clubs across Europe, from Arsenal to Manchester United and Chelsea, are all shopping for the same thing: a reliable number nine. Previously named options like Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and potentially Hugo Ekitike could all be heading elsewhere, whilst the task of capturing Alexander Isak remains a tough one. The prices are soaring, and competition is intense. Expecting Liverpool to not only find a top-level replacement for Nunez but also another capable backup in one window is ambitious to the point of reckless.

Jota is already at the club, under contract until 2027, and capable of filling multiple attacking roles. Losing him now would mean scrambling for a second striker in an inflated market while potentially disrupting squad cohesion. The smarter option is to find one solid starting forward this summer and defer further forward planning to next season.

Should they stay, Slot will also have the options of utilising Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz as central options, if needed.

Squad Depth Matters More Than Ever

Injuries happen. They tried to derail parts of Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign and will remain an ever-present threat. Jota, despite his fragility, has proven time and again that when fit, he can deliver.

Critics often forget the moments he came through when it mattered. He opened the scoring on the first day of the season against Ipswich Town, a match Liverpool could not afford to slip up in. His two assists in a gritty 2-1 win at Wolves were vital. He netted the winner at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace and rescued a point against Fulham when Liverpool were down to ten men. He bagged a late equaliser at Nottingham Forest and scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield. These are not meaningless goals or cameos. These are match-defining contributions in high-pressure moments.

Having a player like Jota to come off the bench or rotate through the front line is invaluable. He’s not a luxury, he is a necessity, especially as the fixture list becomes congested with domestic and European commitments.

Pragmatism Over Perfection in Slot’s Second Season

Slot’s first year was a triumph, but no team remains static. With key exits already confirmed, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jarell Quansah among them, Liverpool are undergoing significant change. Add in potential moves for Andy Robertson, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, and you’re looking at a squad in transition.

Jota may not be the future, but he is a useful part of the present. A player who understands the club, the demands, and can slot into various roles across the frontline. He offers more tactical flexibility than most realise. Whether it is leading the line, drifting from the left, or operating just behind a main striker, Jota’s adaptability is a manager’s dream.

Federico Chiesa is also expected to depart, and while Lyon’s Malick Fofana has been touted as a possible replacement, relying on a young winger transitioning from Ligue 1 to the Premier League carries risk. Keeping Jota gives Slot an insurance policy while Fofana adapts and the club assesses future striker options.

One Change at a Time

The key to squad evolution is measured progression, not mass upheaval. Liverpool should be strategic, not reactive. Sell Nunez, bring in a direct replacement, and give Wirtz a platform to flourish with more minutes in central roles. But do not rip out every root of experience.

With his track record of scoring critical goals, his understanding of the system, and his ability to operate under pressure, Jota should remain part of the Liverpool squad for at least another season. Then, in the summer of 2026, the club can revisit the striker position with more clarity and better market options.

There is also a financial argument. Jota’s value is only decreasing due to his injury record and contractual position. Selling him now would not bring a huge windfall, especially compared to the premium Liverpool can fetch for Nunez. From a business standpoint, it is smarter to extract value from Jota on the pitch than to lose him for a modest fee.

Final Thoughts: The Right Player to Keep

Football is not just about talent. It is about timing, need and resources. In the current context, keeping Diogo Jota makes perfect sense. He may frustrate at times, but there are few players available this summer with his experience, versatility and knack for game-changing moments.

Liverpool must navigate this transfer window with sharp focus. Selling Nunez, keeping Jota and reinforcing with one top forward is the efficient path forward. It balances ambition with realism. It respects continuity without blocking progress.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are already shaping up to be a force once again but it’s important to not get too carried away with too much change.